What happens during ADHD assessment?

[Popsicales]

My DS is having a private ADHD assessment with ADHD-360 in 2 weeks time. It’s a video call. What will happen during the assessment? I’m really nervous about it! Probably more so because I’ll be in work and his DF and my DM will be doing it with my copious notes!

Hi, I haven't got any advice but my son has got his assessment this week with ADHD360. From what I've researched they talk to you about your concerns, if there's any concerns in school or another setting.. I think they speak to your child too.. then make their diagnosis/not diagnose. Then talk about treatment, school etc.. I've been told it takes around 2/2.5 hours. X

Hi. Ours wasn’t a private diagnosis it was via CAMHS for my nearly 8 year old.

How they did it was, video call with me for 2 hours, then another one which was an hour, went in to see ds at school, had a video call with his then teacher, that school did a questionnaire, he moved to a special school and they did the same questionnaire with them and a video call with the new teacher. After all that he was diagnosed with severe adhd, he’s been on meds 8 weeks now, just now trying to get meds / dosages right.

They wanted to know lots of history about pregnancy / birth / early milestones / any other diagnosis’ (ds is also autistic) then they ask specific questions based around hyperactivity / impulsivity / attention etc etc. They ask for lots of real life situations. Lots of questions to answer.

Not sure how it differs privately but thought I’d give you an insight into how the process was for us x

Also upon referral there was a lot of paper work / questionnaires and evidence needed to be provided by the school, then it had to go through a panel to see if his referral would be accepted, then he was on a waiting list for 17 months from referral to diagnosis (for severe adhd)

I can see why people go privately!!

Thank you everyone. Really helpful to have some idea of what they’ll ask!

Mine is a video call. Not sure how cooperative DS will be. I can imagine him licking the camera, trying to turn off and bashing around 🙈

@yourfavouritemuggle please could you post back here and let me know how you got on and how happy you were with the process?
Have you submitted any reports/evidence from school on the portal thing online? I was thinking of asking his teacher to write a short paragraph detailing concerns in school to support the assessment. Thank you!

ADHD360 seem really good with communication so far. I’ve had fast responses to emails and a good conversation on the phone with them.

Yes of course, if I don't post an update by Thursday night drop a message on this thread and I'll get an email..

His school have been really supportive, they were the ones who asked for the CAHMs referral but it's taking too long.. his teacher has written a letter/report just explaining what his behaviour is like and what he struggles with that I've uploaded onto the portal.

How old is your son? ☺️

@yourfavouritemuggle

Hi, how did you get on with the assessment?

My DS is 4 and in reception.

[quote Popsicales]@yourfavouritemuggle

Hi, how did you get on with the assessment?

My DS is 4 and in reception.[/quote]
It went really well, they've diagnosed him with ADHD. The video call took about 1 hour and 45 mins.. we answered questions about pregnancy/baby then about when we first noticed signs etc.. they filled in a questionnaire and wrote notes and went through what the school had written in their report. They suggested some ways school could help him and said they would send out his diagnosis letter beginning of next week. I'm pleased, they confirmed everything we thought but now it's officially diagnosed the school can help him a lot more. X

@yourfavouritemuggle brilliant. I am glad you are feeling positive about moving forward. Have they recommended medication?

Is there absolutely no way you can be part of the appointment? Remotely, by phone?

Having been through it with my daughter, I really wouldn't want to have missed it. There were some questions that, even with copious notes, my DJ would have struggled to answer.

[quote Popsicales]@yourfavouritemuggle brilliant. I am glad you are feeling positive about moving forward. Have they recommended medication?[/quote]
Yes they said it was an option but we've asked to think on it for a while. They booked a review appointment for end of November and we can discuss it more then.. we're not too sure how we feel about it at the moment! X

@Littlefish I can’t unfortunately as I’m a teacher and I’m already having to take time out of school next week to meet with DS’ social worker and other agencies involved with him. I might be able to join for the first 15 minutes! I am gutted about having to miss it but I know DS’ dad has as much information as me, and my mum and his mum will be there to support too.

I absolutely get it - I'm a teacher too.

However, I'm pretty sure that my Headteacher would have released me for something as important as this. You're not asking for travelling time, just the actual meeting time.

I'm sure your headteacher expects parents to make themselves available to come into school for important meetings, when necessary, so it's just the same thing!

Good luck!

@yourfavouritemuggle my DS got the diagnosis today and she observed ASD traits too. We are going to try medication.

I’ve had the invoice through to pay. When did you get information on the portal where you can see the diagnosis and her report? Or is it a case of waiting for the letter to come? Thanks.

[quote Popsicales]@yourfavouritemuggle my DS got the diagnosis today and she observed ASD traits too. We are going to try medication.

I’ve had the invoice through to pay. When did you get information on the portal where you can see the diagnosis and her report? Or is it a case of waiting for the letter to come? Thanks.[/quote]
Glad you got your answers! I had an email today with a detailed report regarding everything they observed, diagnosis, treatment options etc.. they've also forwarded it to my GP and school. His assessment was last Thursday so I'm presuming you'll have yours beginning of next week x